2024:411 - Green Street, Dingle, Kerry

Archaeological monitoring was undertaken with regard to the demolition of a single storey structure at the rear of a protected structure (RPS-KY-0312) and construct a new rear extension at Green Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry. The proposed development site (PDS) is situated within the core area of the medieval historic town of Dingle, KE043-223.

A single storey modern conservatory and kitchen extension to the rear of the protected structure were demolished. Following removal of modern rubble, clearance of trees and other vegetation, topsoil stripping was undertaken across the site with a track machine using a grading bucket. Top sod comprised of soft dark brownish-grey silty sandy material to a depth of 0.1m. This overlaid more friable mid-greyish-brown silty sandy material to a general depth of 0.9m and a maximum depth of 1.4m at the easternmost limits of the site. Topsoil in turn overlay sterile natural mid-orange-brown clay sand.

Monitoring revealed a shallow possible ditch feature abutting and extending along the entirety of the eastern boundary wall between the PDS and the Dingle town Park. Two investigative slots were opened to determine the veracity of the feature. The investigation revealed a shallow depth of 0.5-0.6m and a width varying from 1.4–1.65m in width. The full width of the possible ditch feature was not determined as it extended under the high boundary wall. Three fills were recorded that tapered in section from northwest to southeast. The bottom fill, 0.18m in depth, comprised of soft mixed orange-grey-white silty sandy material that also included ash and moderate amounts of charcoal. Apart from an occasional modern drain, no other features were recorded.